Soon to retire Venus and Serena amongst the recipients honoured by National Portrait Gallery

Seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams has raised speculation that her tennis career might be coming to an end, after posting a message on social media reflecting on her years in the sport.

In an Instagram post to mark the 28th anniversary of her professional tennis debut, Williams shared two photos of herself as a 14-year-old at the 1994 Bank of the West Classic, the site of her debut WTA match, alongside a message to her fans.

"On this day 28 years ago I made my debut to professional tennis. I never imagined 28 years later what [ Serena Williams] and I would experience in this sport. I can recount the wins and the losses, but in the end it was always about the pursuit of my best self. Every day, win lose or draw. I can look back with no regrets. It's all been worth it."

Venus Williams has had one of the most illustrious tennis careers in modern times, winning seven Grand Slam singles titles, sixteen Grand Slam doubles titles, and five Olympic medals.

Her recent post comes just over two months after her younger sister, Serena, announced her retirement ahead of the North American hard-court swing this summer. However, Venus was conspicuously quiet on her own plans during this time.

Williams last played at the US Open in September, losing in the first round in both singles and alongside sister Serena in the first round of the doubles.

At 42 years of age, tennis fans knew the day the great Venus Williams hung up her racquet wasn't far off. But, while there is still no definitive announcement one way or the other from the former World No. 1, the day it finally comes will still be a momentous day for the tennis world.

Meanwhile, Venus and Serena, along with Dr. Anthony Fauci, Marian Wright Edelman, Ava DuVernay, José Andrés and Clive Davis have been chosen as the seven recipients to be honored at the National Portrait Gallery’s (NPG) upcoming “Portrait of a Nation” exhibition.

Housed at the Smithsonian’s art museum in Washington D.C., the award commends individuals who have made an extraordinary impact on American society. The new commissions will join over 23,000 permanent portraits that include Abraham Lincoln, Aretha Franklin, Frida Kahlo and Spike Lee.

Amongst the new permanent works, the institution tapped David Hockney, who created a vibrant depiction of Clive Davis, while Robert Pruitt painted a Double Portrait of Venus Williams. In the latter artwork, Pruitt, who is known for his conté style drawing, depicts the tennis phenom in stylish armor that exudes her confidence on-and-off the court.

Nigerian-born, New York-based artist, Toyin Ojih Odutola, was chosen to create a portrait of Serena that vibrantly imbues the player’s confidence but in a far more relaxed demeanor and which accentuates the artist’s use of colour and texture.

Highlights also include Hugo Crosthwaite’s stop-motion animation of Dr. Fauci, who became the face of the US’ response to the COVID pandemic, along with a portrait of José Andrés by Kadir Nelson, Ava DuVernay by artist Kenturah Davis and a photographic portrait of Marian Wright Edelman, which was obtained by Ruven Afanador back in 2013.

“Portrait of a Nation” will be on view in Washington D.C. from November 10 to October 22, 2023.